Dear Kids,
          Most of you probably heard the sad news that Miss Strassburg passed away. Sharon called me on the morning of the 4th of July and said she had just died that morning. There was a facebook page that said she was really sick, and anybody who wanted to send her a note or a letter needed to do it right away. I’m hardly ever online so I didn’t know about that. She had such a great impact for good on all you kids! Even when she was talking about leaving Westlake, she said she wouldn’t go until all the Ackerson kids had moved on. I’m glad you all had the chance to know her.
          Paige’s baptism is next Saturday, July 12, at 2:20 pm at Nora and James’s church, 2050 North Main in Centerville. There will be an after-party at the house. It will be a great occasion! I always look forward to these events, and going to your homes afterwards to visit and look around your neighborhoods, and (at Nora’s house) hike up the hill. Our neighborhood is still so desolate, that it gives me hope to see other places that have grass and trees and flowers.
          We’ve been working really hard in our yard, but you can’t see much change. Hopefully our River Bluffs stone will be delivered this week. We have two metal deer to set next to it (as if there weren’t already enough deer in the area) and I’ll soon be digging trenches for sprinkler pipe. Eventually we’ll have grass and flowers, but it’s very discouraging right now.
          My senior citizen piano class in Heber filled up so fast that I’ve added a second class the hour before. There are already two people signed up for it. It’s funny that Heber valley, for all its small population, has so many people that are devoted to music. Donna says there are seven piano teachers in her ward. And there are lots of people who always wanted to play the piano, but never had the chance for lessons. So it’s a great place to teach seniors.
          As you can see, we’re doin’ great and lovin’ it. We hope you are, too! Love, Mom